[05-27-2025] Madera County, CA – Two People Killed in Suspected DUI Head-On Crash on Highway 41 Near Van Teri Road South of Coarsegold

Two people were killed in a head-on crash involving a suspected DUI driver on Highway 41 just south of Coarsegold in Madera County on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 4:00 p.m. when the driver of a white utility truck, reportedly speeding, lost control on a curve near Van Teri Road.

A black SUV swerved to avoid the out-of-control truck and was clipped. Moments later, the utility truck collided head-on with a Ford Bronco. Both vehicles fell into a nearby ravine.

A man and a woman inside the Bronco were fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. The utility truck driver, believed to be a man in his 30s, sustained injuries and was transported for treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the driver of the utility truck is facing DUI charges. CHP emphasized the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence, particularly on winding rural roads.

The crash remains under investigation.

Talk To Our DUI Accident Lawyers In Madera County, CA

DUI accidents can cause significant harm, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial challenges. When a driver chooses to operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they not only risk their own safety but also put everyone else on the road in danger.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Our DUI accident lawyers in Madera County are here to help you know the next steps. We offer assistance in reviewing your case, gathering the necessary documents, and clarifying the legal process to help you make informed decisions.

If you need more information or have questions, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

How to Protect Yourself After a DUI Accident in Madera County, CA

If you or someone you know is hurt in a DUI accident, the most important thing is your safety and well-being. Here’s what to do after being involved in an accident with a drunk or drugged driver:

1. Check For Injuries
   Start by checking yourself and others for visible injuries, like cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Be aware of any pain, as it could signal internal injuries that aren’t easy to see.
2. Ensure Safety
   Make sure everyone is safe. If the accident happened in a dangerous area, like a busy road, move to a safer location, but don’t make injuries worse by moving anyone who’s hurt.
3. Report The Accident
   Call 911 or have someone call for you. The police need to document the scene, perform sobriety tests, and arrest the intoxicated driver. They will also file an official report.
4. Seek Medical Attention
   Paramedics will assess your condition and provide first aid. If they suggest going to the hospital, do so for further treatment. Getting medical help right away helps you recover and provides official records of your injuries.
5. Gather Information
   While waiting for authorities, get important details. Note the other driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details. Also, collect contact info from any witnesses, as their statements can be helpful.
6. Document The Incident
   Take photos and videos of the scene using your phone. Capture images of vehicle damage, your injuries, and anything that shows the other driver’s intoxication, like alcohol containers. This evidence can help support your claim.
7. Call An Experienced Attorney
   After a DUI accident, it’s a good idea to speak with a DUI accident lawyer in Madera County. A lawyer can explain the claims process, help you organize your documents, and assist with communication with insurance companies and others involved.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2020, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 11,654 traffic fatalities, making up 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. This marked a 14.3% increase from 2019, when there were 10,196 fatalities. On average, one alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes.

The highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes were in the 21-24 and 25-34 age groups, each accounting for 26% of the total fatalities.

In terms of gender, for every female alcohol-impaired driver involved in a fatal crash, there were four male drivers. Overall, there were three male drivers for every female driver involved in fatal crashes.

Motorcycle riders had the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes at 27%, compared to 23% for passenger car drivers, 19% for light truck drivers, and 3% for large truck drivers.

Out of the 1,093 traffic fatalities involving children aged 14 and younger, 21% (229) occurred in accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Of the 11,654 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, 67% (7,831) involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher.

Finally, the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was 3.1 times higher at night than during the day in 2020.